Harper B for Bum Knees (aka Thank Goodness for TPLOs)

Mon, 07/17/2017 - 09:01 Post by Mary-Ann

Harper B for Bum Knees had her first TPLO two years ago; Dr. Sherman Canapp in Maryland did the surgery and expertly guided the rehab from afar with the help of our Missoula veterinarian, Dr. Shonie Card. Harper B earned her TDX 11 months after surgery, but it wasn't long after that we began to see issues with Knee #2. UGH.

We tried rest and so on to avoid another surgery but to no avail. Heading back to Maryland wasn't an option this year and so we began looking in our region for a surgeon, finally settling on Dr. Randy Acker in Ketchum, Idaho -- a really excellent option for our area, btw. Harper had her second TPLO five weeks ago today, and once again Dr. Card is walking (limping) this path with us.

We had a setback 2+ weeks ago and that was sure discouraging -- but yesterday Dr. Card gave us the green light to start rehab. She didn't have to say that twice -- Harper B for Better Get Busy and I are on it...

To avoid putting weight on the leg, Harper B for Balance on Three wants to trot because that allows her to basically skip (and avoid using the leg); rehab means walking to force her to use the painful leg. We do SSSSLLLOOOWWW walking back and forth across a slope...

We are also using different tools to work on Harper B for Bye-Bye Muscle Mass's weak side. Unstable surfaces make it hard for her to balance on just three legs...

But she sure tries -- can you see how she is not putting weight on that leg?

Even when all legs are on unstable surfaces, she still guards that leg. The "work around" is that I move her head from side to side, using cheese as a lure; I also gently rock her.

We use the exercise ball in a similar way, slowly rocking the ball forward and back, and side to side to force Harper to use that leg; Harper B for Blast That Hurts can only take a wee bit of that. OUCH!

See how she sits? We work on that as well, tucking that leg under her; we also work sit to stand, and stand to sit.

It is a long road but Harper B for Big Heart is up to the challenge.

Two bad knees is a Big Bummer for sure -- but I took Sydney in expecting that she would need a TPLO, and she had osteosarcoma.

We'll take the bum knees -- they can be fixed. A broken heart is harder to piece back together.

10 comments

Poor girl, I feel her pain. Setbacks are so discouraging but since you've been down this path before you know that progress is slow but cumulative. I hope she is back to an active, healthy life soon. That's my goal. Give her a hug from me.

So glad that bum knees can be fixed. I agree with your last comment! Puts all of the rehab in perspective. Hope that she continues to feel a bit better and is less reluctant to put weight on that knee. Hugs to you and to Harper!

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'
Yes I've been black but when I come back you'll know know know
I ain't got the time and if my daddy thinks I'm fine
He's tried to make me go to rehab but I won't go go go